9 Things to Do With The Kids at Half Term

I seem to spend a lot of time lately searching ‘things to do with kids’. I think this is because they are at the age where they want to get out and do interesting stuff, the same old parks and places are becoming boring (their words not mine, I could spend days on end at the local National Trust house). There are some we’ve done lately that I’ll put in another post, but in the meantime this handy list popped into my inbox so I thought it’d be worth sharing as we come up to half term. I have to say I’ve only been to a couple of these attractions and enjoyed them, but don’t hold me responsible!

It’s from the Family & Friends Railcard, which saves a third off adult rail fares and 60% off kids’ fares. So here goes here’s a list of nine (why nine?) family-friendly adventures that they say will keep the boredom at bay – provided of course you come up with interesting train games…

London – Robot Zoo
Take the kids to Horniman Museum in Forest Hill and meet a robotic rhino, a squid with 18-foot tentacles and a huge house fly with a vacuum cleaner mouth.

Alfriston – Drusillas Park
Treat the kids to a close encounter with some wild animals at Drusillas Park in Alfriston. Choose from ‘Lemur Feeding,’ ‘Picnic with a Red Panda’ or the ‘Meerkat Experience’ amongst others, and for the more adventurous you can even ‘Tickle a Tarantula’.

Travel: Off-Peak Return with Family & Friends Railcard from London (Victoria) to Berwick £47.30
Usually: £61.40
Total Saving: £14.10

Cumbria – the Lake District
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take the kids for a walk in the Lake District. Home to Beatrix Potter’s tales of Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggywinkle – it’s the perfect backdrop for a family walk in the spring sunshine.

Hull – The Deep
Head underwater for the day and visit one of the biggest aquariums in the UK. The Deep in Hull has more than 3,500 fish including sharks and rays, as well as turtles and penguins. Don’t miss the dive show and watch divers swim amongst the sharks!
Travel: Off-Peak Return with Family & Friends Railcard from Doncaster to Hull £31.80
Usually: £56.10
Total Saving: £24.30

London – V&A Museum of Childhood
Another attraction in the capital that’s perfect to while away the hours is the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. It has great collections of toys throughout the ages, as well as plenty of interactive exhibitions to tinker with – and best of all free admission!

Travel: Off-Peak Return with Family & Friends Railcard from Southampton Central to London (Waterloo) £75.00
Usually: £109.35
Total Saving: £34.35

Warwick – Warwick Castle
Turn back the clock and dive into some medieval history at Warwick Castle. Once you’ve scaled the battlements, enjoy a live show featuring the world’s largest catapult and a maze inspired by the popular Horrible Histories series.

Newcastle – Climb Newcastle
Take on a climbing challenge like no other and visit Climb Newcastle. With a first time family induction session and a range of wall climbs and difficulties, it’s sure to keep aspiring adventurers on their toes.

Save 10 per cent when you buy your Family & Friends Railcard online, costing just £27 for a whole year – search ‘Family & Friends Railcard’ or go to familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/online10. For last minute trips you can still get your Railcard at your nearest staffed National Rail train station, for £30 for a year of cheaper train journeys with the kids.